US President to officially visit Thailand next week

BANGKOK, Nov 9 -- Newly re-elected US President Barack Obama will officially visit Thailand November 18-19, becoming the first US leader to visit the kingdom in four years, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Manasvi Srisodapol.

Mr Manasvi, Department of Information Director General, said that Mr Obama will arrive Sunday and will meet Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues in which both countries have interest.

Details are being arranged by officials of both countries', and will be officially announced next week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said the visit will be the first in four years, since former President George W Bush visited Thailand in 2008.

Mr Surapong said that apart from Mr Obama’s visit, Thailand is welcoming South Korean president Lee Myung-Bak who is visiting Thailand today and tomorrow.

Mr Lee is the first South Korean president to make an official visit to Thailand in 31 years.

Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will visit Bangkok Nov 20-22, the first visit to Thailand by a Chinese premier in 10 years.